The Old Gaol

Crime and Punishment

1 .. 2 .. 3 .. 4 .. 5 .. 6

Imprisonment was not generally a punishment in the Middle Ages. Prisoners were held in the Gaol until their trial in the Moothall courtroom.

Trials were held approximately every three months. Punishments were severe, so juries often found defendants not guilty in order to save them from the death penalty.

Other punishments included fines - a good source of revenue for the Archbishop - branding, being put in the stocks or pillory, or banishment.